EZinst v1.0


Introduction
============

	EZinst is an installation program for Microsoft Windows. It was 
designed for programmers, consultants, and other computer users in need of a
simple, inexpensive, customizable Windows installation program.


Installation
============

	Installing EZinst from the distribution .ZIP file is extremely easy. (After
 it has been unzipped).

		1. Start Microsoft Windows.

		2. From the File sub-menu menu in Program Manager, choose Run...

		3. Specify the location of the unzipped files and type install.exe.
			Ex: c:\apl\comm\install.exe

		4. The installation program will prompt you to enter the destination
drive/directory.
			Ex: c:\ezinst

		5. The installation program will prompt you to enter the source
drive/directory.
			Ex: c:\apl\comm

		6. The installation program will finish the installation automatically.


File list
=========

	This is a complete file list.

		1. INSTALL.EXE - the main installation program.

		2. INSTALL.HLP - the on-line help file.

		3. INSTALL.INI - the installation file and example.

		4. README.TXT - this file.

		5. COMPRESS.EXE - Microsoft's compression file.

		6. ORDER.FRM - the form for registering EZinst.

		7. FILE_ID.DIZ - the description file.


Using EZinst
============

	The EZinst program is small (about 50k) and easy to use. Simply copy
it to the distribution disk along with the install.ini file (described in the
following section) and it will be ready to use. All the installer has to do 
is run Microsoft Windows and use the File-Run... menu command (Example: 
a:install.exe). The rest is self explanatory for the installer.


The install.ini file
====================

	The install.ini is easy to use, but must be syntactically correct. 

	Line #1         The title displayed in large letters in the 
			installation program.
	Line #2         The default source drive/directory. This can be the 
			current directory.
	Line #3         The default destination drive/directory. If it 
			already exists, the EZinst will prompt if it is still
			to be
			used.
	Line #4         The number of files to install. Make sure this number
			corresponds to the number of lines following it.
	Line #5-#?      The files to install. They may be compressed by using
			Microsoft's compress.exe.
	Line #6         The program group. If it doesn't already exist, it
			will be created.
	Line #7         The number of program item to be created in the 
			program group. Make sure this number corresponds to 
			the number of lines following it.
	Line #8-#?      The program items to install. The first part of an 
			entry is the program to be run followed by 
			command-line parameters. The second part of an entry
			is the titled, and is separated by a comma. The macro
			@@DIR@@ will be substituted by the default directory.


Example
=======

Gengame Installation                    ; Title to display while installing
a:                                      ; Default source drive/directory
c:\gengame                              ; Default destination drive/directory
3                                       ; Number of files to install
gengame.ex_                             ; Name of files (may be compressed or
gengame.hl_                             ;   un-compressed). Must be the name
readme.tx_                              ;   in the source drive/directory)
Games                                   ; Program (manager) group
2                                       ; Number of program items
@@DIR@@\gengame.exe, Generic Game       ; Program items (The program itself)
winhelp @@DIR@@\gengame.hlp, Help       ;   (a help file)


Compression
===========

	The compression program (compress.exe) is used to reduce the size
of distributed programs. The syntax is: compress [-r] file.ext [filenew.ext].
If the -r switch is used, the second filename is not needed, as compress will
automatically alter the first filename by changing the last character to an
'_'. Example: compress -r install.exe; will create install.ex_ (compressed).


Registration
============

	If this program proves useful, please consider registering it. 
Registration is $12 and entitles you to a printed manual, latest version 
of the program, customer support, the source code, an unlimited distribution
license, and information and special discounts about other offerings by 
Burnham Park Software, Inc. (The author is always open to suggestions. Send 
mail or e-mail to the following addresses with any suggestions.) To register 
send your name, address, and check or money order to:

		Burnham Park Software, Inc.
		P.O. Box #814
		Chicago, IL 60690-0814

		Phone: (312) 922-6313
		BBS: (312) 922-2839
		Compuserve: 71532,3271
		AOL: J null B
		Delphi: MARBRO
		GEnie: XRG36978

	EZinst is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, 
expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of 
merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no 
liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use 
of EZinst.